the centre line when doing a bow template for longbows

[Bullerboy]

Hey all....I'm real new to bow making but I took the plunge and bough a hickory stave to make an english longbow...of sorts anyhow.
After having a look online.....I see that bowyers go about using a bit of string to mark out a line in the

middle of the template.......can anyone with the know how explain how this is best done and how tp get best results.....
Proper noob here.
Nice. Thanks. 

[Bullerboy]

anyone can help...know its a basic question but I'm really new to this game.

[George Tsoukalas]

No templates. It is very important to look down the stave and locate the lateral or vertical grain and draw your line to follow it. The type of wood is not important.

That should be done with all woods.

More on my site.

http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/layout.html

Jawge

[Badger]

  For best results on an English longbow I don't think I would use hickory. I have seen your other posts on substandard bows so I assume you want the best possible. I would go with yew or elm for starting out. Hickory will make a good practice bow.

[Bullerboy]

don't really need to follow the grain with yew.....do a bit with elm.

can get away with a fair bit with yew....so I have heard anyway

[bushboy]

I use a 72" x 2" aluminum straight edge that I got for 20 bucks for general layout.but after reducing the stave it will move more often than not. After that I go by eye cuz it a selfbow and it does,'t have to be perfectly matched

[bushboy]

Should have noted this is for elm staves!for osage I grip a pencil and follow the edge wave while trying to stay on center

[bradsmith2010]

following the grain will  usually give best results,,

[dragonman]

it is possible , with a straight board of hickory, to mark out a template Ffirst draw your centre line with a string or straight edge, then mark out your front and side ,  precalculated profiles. Then cut this out,  this will make a satisfactory bow if done correcectly and will work with amy board bow. A stave can be squared up and treated this way too.
True, following the grain will improve performance, but it is not essential.....An elb design may not bring out the best in a hickory stave though

dave

[Pappy]

Jawges and Brad have it right for best overall results. Sounds like you know quite a bit Bullerboy for a newbe as you called yourself, can't figure why people ask questions when they are sure they already have the answers.
  Pappy

[TheDukesArchers]

Do you knot draw the line straight down the middle of the rough dimensions you are using? Should it not mark out where the tiller is going?

[Pat B]

Guys, Bullerboy won't be asking or answering any questions. He's no longer with us.     

[TheDukesArchers]

I wasn't asking Bullerboy haha

Does the middle line replicate where the string should be on the finished bow? Straight down the centre?

DA

[George Tsoukalas]

Follow those lateral grain lines when drawing the center line. Then measure on either side of it for the width of the bow.
Like this:
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/layout.html
Jawge

[PatM]

I wasn't asking Bullerboy haha

Does the middle line replicate where the string should be on the finished bow? Straight down the centre?

DA

Not really. That is more dependent on other factors.